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Gay Man Wins $45,000 After False Arrest : Gay News from Gay Agenda – GayAgenda.com

Claude Lessard, the plaintiff in a 2003 case of false arrest at John U. Lloyd State Park in Dania Beach, is taking home $45,000 from the state of Florida.

Lessard, an openly gay local junior high school teacher, filed suit against the Florida Department of Environmental Protection and park officer David Pius in March 2005, after being arrested at the park for what he said was a case of anti-gay bias. His suit included charges of false arrest, false imprisonment and malicious prosecution stemming from an incident that took place in the park in July 2003.

The state, without admitting fault, decided to pay Lessard the $45,000 for damages rather than continue to fight the case.

Lessard’s attorney views this as not only a victory for gay men who are harassed at public beaches and parks, but also a legal step that gives gays another right in the fight for marriage equality.

Read more at: The South Florida Blade

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via gayagenda.com

That's all well and fine that he received remuneration of $45,000, but the state of Florida just labeled itself as a bigoted state... in so many words.

Actions speak louder than words, and in this case, the actions (or lack thereof) spoke volumes. Is it really that difficult to say, "I'm sorry. We screwed up?"

This just goes to show we've got a long way to go in the fight for civil rights.

AmeriCorps Alums Launches Design for Change Contest!

AmeriCorps Alums Launches Design for Change

Contest will determine new logo and slogan for national service alumni 

On Monday, August 3rd, AmeriCorps Alums, the national organization for those who have served with AmeriCorps (and/or pre-AmeriCorps VISTA), will launch a contest designed to include the entire service community in the creation of a new logo and slogan.  The winning logo will be featured on all collateral and marketing material for the foreseeable future and offers an unprecedented opportunity for the chosen designer. 

Prizes will be given to the artist behind the chosen design as well as the first and second runners up.  Top prizes include a FLiP handheld video camera and AmeriCorps Alums Inauguration jacket (limited edition). In addition, the chapter that submits the most individual entries will receive a service grant and an assortment of AmeriCorps Alums merchandise.  

“AmeriCorps Alums has been in existence for almost five years now and it’s time for a change,” says AmeriCorps Alums Executive Director, Amity Tripp.  “We’d like our new logo to reveal the broad scope of AmeriCorps Alums. They’re a network of professionals, civic leaders and change makers and our logo should give them a sense of pride while reflecting the attitude of both new alums and more seasoned professionals.” 

Each day, over half a million AmeriCorps Alums work in their communities to make change.  Whether it’s online or in person, Alums are shaping what it means to be an active citizen. 

Design for Change will run from August 3 to September 14, 2009 and the winner will be announced on October 2.  For more information or to submit a design visit:http://www.americorpsalums.org/?designforchange 

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About AmeriCorps Alums - AmeriCorps Alums is a leadership organization that connects, supports and mobilizes the vibrant network of 550,000 individuals who spent a term in service to our country through AmeriCorps.  AmeriCorps Alums believes that the lifetime engagement of alumni is a transformational force for change in America’s communities For more information visit www.americorpsalums.org 

Happy International Friendship Day!

I'm all about making new friends. Last night, and the night before that... I met an amazing group of people. It's hard to find truly genuine folks to chill with, but this group is quality. Everyone was extremely nice, open, and fun! If you're part of the group I'm talking about... thank you. Thank you for being you. Thank you for welcoming me into your group, and this is a coincidence, but... it's International Friendship Day!

Be sure to share this link with friends. It's kind of awesome.

:-)
Posterous theme by Cory Watilo
  
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